Boullier described Button as 'an absolutely fantastic ambassador for the team...a fantastic driver' and 'somebody with the feel and experience to steer the team and give it direction for development'.

The Frenchman added: 'His input has been invaluable, and he remains a tireless contributor.'

Those are hardly words to suggest Button is on his way at the end of the current campaign and the team are looking for a replacement.

Although Button concedes there has so far been 'no progress' on a new deal, he added: 'We've spent four good years together already, we're in our fifth, and we both want - I think - to work together in the future.

'But it's just not the time yet, the right time; we've a lot of other issues to solve yet (with the car) before we start thinking about the future too much.

'We're in a good place and I think my experience does help me a lot. I still feel very young at heart, fitter than ever and I have all of that experience, so I'm in a great position.

'I feel I have a lot more to give in the future in Formula One, so I definitely can't see an end to my career. This is my life and it's where I want to be.'

Despite scoring what eventually turned out to be a third-place finish at the season-opening race in Australia following Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification, it has been all uphill since for Button and McLaren.

Taste of success: Jenson Button celebrates winning the Canadian Grand Prix in 2011

The team endured a wretched run of three consecutive races without a point in China, Bahrain and Spain before finally ending their drought last time out in Monaco.

As Button concedes, there was 'a sense of relief' in removing that particular monkey from their back, although the veteran knows in finishing sixth, with team-mate Kevin Magnussen 10th, it was just a small step on the road to competitiveness.

Button would like to believe there will be further improvement this weekend in Canada, scene of one of his most spectacular triumphs in 2011, before moving on to Austria's return to the calendar later this month, and then more importantly his home race at Silverstone early next where he hopes to be back with a bang.

'The points we scored in Monaco were okay, however the most important thing for us as a team was not how many points we picked up there but the progress,' said Button, speaking to Press Association Sport.

'I feel there is progress being made in the team. The way the car feels is good and we are going in the right direction.

'It's still going to take time. We're not going to set the world alight in Canada this weekend, but hopefully there will be a bit more progression.

Need for speed: Button in action at the Monaco Grand Prix

'Then we've Austria, then Silverstone where it would be nice to have a good package. I think we'll have some good parts for there.'

The characteristics of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve do not particularly suit the McLaren, whereas Mercedes will again be in their element as they chase a new F1 record of six consecutive one-two finishes.

Lewis Hamilton, a three-times winner in Canada, certainly sees no reason why he cannot make it four and so reclaim the lead in the drivers' standings from Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Insisting the feud that unfolded in Monaco is now behind them, with regard to his chances this weekend in Montreal, Hamilton said: 'We're particularly strong on the straights. They do suit us very well.

'We have a very good power curve on our engine. Mercedes have done the best job with the engines.

'Renault and Ferrari would have to have done an exceptional job coming into this weekend in that area to be able to keep up with us on the straights.'

Finishing touches: McLaren mechanics work on Button's car ahead of this weekend's race in Canada